Test Code LAB1930 Mexiletine, Serum
Additional Codes
MEX
Useful For
Assessing achievement of optimal therapeutic mexiletine concentrations
Assessing potential mexiletine toxicity
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: Specimens should only be collected after patient has been receiving mexiletine for at least 3 days. Trough concentrations should be collected just before administration of the next dose.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose.
2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Ambient | 28 days | |
Frozen | 28 days |
On-campus collections: Tube to 99 or deliver to University Extension Hospital Room EH318
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial, Refrigerated
Off-campus collections:
Centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours.
Specimen to be stored/transported at Refrigerated temp.
Reference Values
Trough Value
0.5-2.0 mcg/mL: Therapeutic concentration
>2.0 mcg/mL: Toxic concentration
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
80299
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
MEX | Mexiletine, S | 40779-1 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
9245 | Mexiletine, S | 40779-1 |
Interpretation
Optimal response to mexiletine occurs when the serum concentration is within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mcg/mL (trough value).
Method Description
Protein is precipitated from serum and following centrifugation the supernatant is diluted and analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Report Available
2 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Secondary ID
9245Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.